The filler starting with Clementine is from 1968-01-20.

^^How can I preface this show.

Nice introduction to kick things off. HTH isn't the best but it's a good run through especially in that slot. I love this morning dew, its got elements from the early early versions as well as moments where its not that far off from a 77 or 85 version. The That's it for the other one segment is a ripper as most were in these years. The rest of the first set has the elegance of 73 jamming mixed with the raw tones of 68. Add to that the fact that the devils really connected well this night. With the exception of a miscue entering the instrumental bid you goodnight coming out of the Alligator sequence the first set is a great example of throwing caution to the wind working out. This band is so subtle in some of their themes and the cues they send each other. This show certainly explores the concept that it sounds like they have done this note for note a thousand time when in fact, well you know. Doin' that Rag kicks ass anytime.

Phil lays down some nice chops on the foxy lady jam and you can hear a few claps from an empty room. Wow, what I wouldn't give to invent a time machine. Of course if I invented it I am sure I could figure out a way to use it to get back what I gave, unless it was not something tangible. Anyone have one they are looking to trade? first notes of Dark Star there is a little extra twang produced by Jerry, just right. This show is on the more mellow side of the raging meter. It rages and all, just in a mellow way. The dead are the only modern band I have ever heard who could be described as raging in a mellow way. By 8 minutes in the space and sound created creates an image not unlike a slightly waving EKG. Flowing continuously, not doing anything violent or drastic, but being monitored closely. And by the 9th minute everything has gone to hell, but in a good way. Around the 15:10 mark or so you can catch that lovelight will be coming up down the road. Phil always seems let the cat out of the bag on lovelights around this time. I love it. Dark Star has a nice peak run near the end as well. Upon the return to the verse of DS Bobby follows Phil and plays an interesting a few interestingly structured chords. The approach to St Stephen is spine tingling, I didn't know whether to run for cover or go on a crime spree. And then wham! St Stephen with a rose.

I am a much bigger fan of elevens from 68 than 69 with a few exceptions...this is one of them. Great intro jam, then phil thummmmmps some big chords and well you know the rest. Jer gets to ripping down the walls. Right before the lyrics begin they make a nice run. Jerry rips the vocals as well. If you listen real closely when they jump back in you can hear bob adding a real slick line. It's a shame he wasn't turned up enough for it to effect the direction on the jam. The flip into Lovelight is so close to perfect. One beat out pretty much, but they still make it just fine. The Lovelight is immense. Up and down, running around, even adding a slow grooved out lead into the second lyric section. The only issue I have with it is Pig stops the jam a few times when it is really going places. I'd imagine it was stuff like that that had really started to irk Jerry by this time. The Lovelight is great, but the jam taking place at 21:00 felt like it was about to explode. It wasn't long before this type of aggressive play was out. It would have been nice to hear of few of them get played out. But wow what a finish.
My oh my...Viola Lee is such a great tune and it is done well here.
Oh, did I mention the sound quality is a five.
8.75/10
Filler:

Who doesn't love New Tater and Born Cross-Eyed such great tunes from the beginning. Spanish Jam!!!!!!!!!!!!hehehe. Like a little school girl.
A nice little caution jam.

This is a classic, some rare beauties here, A MUST HAVE if you can find a copy.

I don't know where the filler after Viola is from but it is sizzlin.

Nothin left to do but smile smile smile.

only 4stars cause I am feel 5 should be rare but this may deserve it.

High quality tunes, high quality recording. Some of the best of 1969.

Awesome !!!!!! A 5 for sound quality and a 5 for content ! There may be better Dark Stars out there , but this is deffinately one of those must haves ! Download it now and turn it up until either the speakers melt or the cops show up, which ever comes first !

I would have a hard time picking the best of these 3 nights but if I could only have one this would be it.I won't waste a lot of space on favorite tunes because everbodys are different.However I will say this,if your here for the jam like me you can't go wrong with either set.
The first set Dew,Cryptical>Other,and Alligator are smoking.Cryptical>Other sounds like a fusion band.And I mean that in a good way.The tempos stretch and the improv level is pure telepathy.
The 2nd set from beging to end never let up.Like I said If your a Dead fan for the improv,Here it is baby.Dark Star is one of my favs of 69.
But the real star here is the man at the board.This is one of the best mixes I've ever heard.People don't unerstand that most of these board recordings were mixed to sound good in the venue they were playing which usually does not translate to a good recording mix.Well once in a while we get lucky.In this case real lucky.This sounds as if it was mixed for tape with release in mind and we are the benefactors of it.The drum mix is hard left and right,the guitars the same way and loud with a real bottom heavy bass.Sounds like a modern mix,very ahead of its time.Vocals are up front and clear.Both Jerry and Bob sound good and mostly in key.A little tape hiss but so what I would'nt complain even if I had paid $25.And if you don't download soon you will be paying $25 for it.

awesome!

one of the top three performances of 69'(IMO).
incredible sound quality and the whole band was ON I mean completely ON the whole night!! Fuckin' WOW!! If you are looking for some vintage DEAD from 1969 look no furthur. what are you waiting for download this beast!!